Design Musings

Que Bella

If you've read my tweets, conversed with me, or really just been in my general vicinity over the last week, then chances are good you've heard me talk about Savant Vintage Couture.  I took my maiden voyage to Savant last Wednesday and yesterday marks my third visit since.  In a perfect world, it would be part of my daily routine...as it would be my closet.  It's like a drug, folks.  Can't...get...enough.  While I've only purchased a handful of items thus far, I've made sure to make 'em count.  The dress I wore for this month's Table for Twelve (which goes up in just a few short hours!!) came straight from the racks below.  It is, perhaps, my new favorite thing.  It's obvious Savant's lovely owner, Bev, knows quality and style, but what's really great is that she also knows a little bit of each item's story (and I love a good story).  I just couldn't possibly say enough wonderful things about this store- if you're in Nashville you have to go.  In fact, I'll meet you there.  2302 12th Ave S...last one there's buying. :)

The Foodie Files

It was gross outside today...really gross.  A soup kind of day for sure.  I decided to give one of my favorites a go...it's hearty, delicious and- are you ready for this?- Moroccan!  I got my first taste of Harira (the official name of said soup) at the Fez, an amazing restaurant in Philly that's famous for their eight course feasts.  Since there's no Moroccan food in a 100 mile radius of Nashville (believe me, I've searched), it's either homemade Harira or no Harira at all.  Tonight was the second time I've tried this recipe (or some version of it...I didn't write it down as I was making it last time...typical).  I was nervous both times since I'm not totally familiar with Moroccan spices but I'm pumped to finally have it on record...it's pretty darn good!

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery 

1 TBS chopped parsley

1 TBS turmeric

1 TBS cinnamon

1 TBS ginger

2 TBS butter

1 14.5oz can of chickpeas

1 14.5oz can of crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup dried lentils

4 cups vegetable broth

4 cups water

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 lemons

Before you get started you should know that Harira isn't really the kind of soup you can just throw in a pot and come back to an hour later.  It's not difficult to make, but it is time consuming.  First of all, there's some dicing involved...quite a bit of dicing, actually (enough to make me temporarily grumpy).  

Once you've conquered the onions, carrots, celery and parsley, melt butter in a large pot and toss 'em on in.  Here's where the layering starts...saute the veggies in the butter for about five minutes on medium low.  Add turmeric, cinnamon and ginger and saute an additional ten minutes.  Add the diced tomatoes and rinsed lentils and let simmer for ten more minutes.  Finally, bump up your heat to just below medium and add your chickpeas, vegetable broth and water.  Let it simmer for an hour, then salt and pepper to taste.    

Make sure you serve each bowl with two lemon wedges..they round out the taste of the soup perfectly.  I can't imagine eating it without them.  You might have to muster some courage to give this one a shot, but I'm telling you, it's worth it!

Flower Power: Dark and Romantic

As much as I love the fun, over the top bright prints I featured in Part 1 of this series, you really can't beat the chicness of these dark, romantic florals.  I'll take two of every piece...please and thank you.  What about you?  Are you Team Bright and Whimsical or Team Dark and Romantic?

1. Silk Flora Scarf, Ted Baker $85  2. Cherry Blosom Chandelier, Anthropologie $998  3. Multicolor Anemone Print Dress, Stella McCartney $1,595  4. Rose Print Bag, Ted Baker $100  5. Zinnia Thicket Dinner Plate, Anthropologie $10-$16

Flower Power: Bright and Whimsical

We're less than two weeks away from Spring and- as previously discussed- I can barely contain my excitement.  I'm pretty confident a little part of me dies every Winter (aren't you glad I'm not at all dramatic?), so both the earth and I look forward to coming alive over the next few days, weeks and months.  It's going to be a great Spring...I can just feel it.  I put together a little two part post on floral print in honor of the wonderful season on deck.  Part one focuses on the bright and whimsical while tomorrow's post (part 2) will highlight a few subdued, romantic floral pieces.  I love 'em both but I'm way too obsessive compulsive to group them together with all the style clashing and what not.  I know...I have issues.  Don't forget to check back tomorrow!  

1. Brocade Yoke Jersey Tank, Forever 21 $17.80  2. Kartell Mademoiselle Chair, Phillippe Starck $860 3. Verdant Acres Dinner Plates, Anthropologie $10-$16  4. Glamour Garden Halter Dress, Betsey Johnson $386  5. Whimsical Porcelain Stackable Ring, Urban Outfitters $20

Mirror, Mirror

I'm eager to give this whole turban-headband idea a try, so I found one that piqued my interest and built an outfit around it.  In all honesty, the majority of my outfits- both digital and real- begin in a similar fashion...organized on the foundation of one piece I really want to wear at the moment.  Today, it's the turban headband...tomorrow- who knows!

1. Double Tank Dress, BCBGeneration $88  2. Rust Turban, Shop Nasty Gal $45  3. Seafoam Chalcedony Gold Ring, Pradman $39  4. Mandeville Necklace, Anthropologie $158  5. Metallic Bar Bangle, Forever 21 $6.80  6. F7348 Sunglasses, Forever 21 $5.80  7. Pyramid Stretch Watch, Urban Outfitters $28  8. Yoko Suede Sandal, Shop Nasty Gal $130

Get It Together: If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird

Instead of sharing paint samples alongside today's Get It Together, I wanted to showcase something different- the wonders of fabric.  I chose three different fabrics that all compliment the space beautifully, but move it in entirely different directions.  See how a simple fabric choice can take the same exact pieces and cast a whole new light on them?  It's fantastic, don't you think?  All the fabrics below are from Casa Fiora and are available as semi-custom draperies, pillows, table skirts and more through nationwide dealers.  Our parent company, Lillian's Paintbrush, is an authorized distributor, so if you're in the New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York or Nashville areas and find yourself considering what a difference fabric would make in your home, give them a call to set up a free consultation!  

1. Country Cottage Candlesticks, Anthropologie $16-24  2. Facsimile Frame, Anthropologie $28  3. Sepia Sketch Frame, Anthropologie $24  4. Swan Print, Jayson Home & Garden $495  5. Nexxt Floor Lamp, Macy's $279.99  6. Maison Birdcage, Z Gallerie $129  7. Champagne Mohair Throw Blanket, Layla Grace $160  8. 19th C. Belgian Slanted Sea Trunk, Restoration Hardware $999  9. Hazel Sofa, Jayson Home & Garden $1916